Psalm 11, Goodness and Grace

January 11

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, by your grace alone have you invited me into your presence. Open my mind to your truth and my heart to your love.

Psalm 11

Psalm 11:7 ESV

7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Goodness and Grace

Doubt and fear are the refuge of many. However my refuge is the Lord! People speak fear into my soul, but I will trust in God.

When I step out my door in the morning the birds flee my porch although food is present, a roof shelters them, and I, their host, pose no threat. They see my shadow, they hear my rumbling and they fly for the bush and tree to escape their fear.

This is how it is with me as well. People shout, “Fear!” and I tremble. Their shouting is intensified as it echoes off the canyon walls of doubt in my mind. My trust is in the Lord. His Kingdom is secure. I can rest in the shadow of his love. All I hold dear could be shaken and God is still there loving me.

The trials of life are numerous but God never takes his eyes off of me. His tests have purpose to benefit me and prepare me for tomorrow. God alone has the authority to judge us and hold us accountable for our living. Thank God for his goodness and his grace!

My father is loving and righteous. He has breathed his love and righteousness into my soul. God’s character within prepares me to love others and lead them into the family of God. One day we will be with the Lord and we will all see him, face to face.

Prayer

Father, your love is overwhelming. Even on my worst day you are present with arms wide open to embrace me. God help me to love like you love. Let me live like your son, Jesus, lived. Let the good in my life always point to you. Forgive me for when I hurt others. Help me to remember that they too are vesels for your love and goodness. May I always be looking to share the good news of your amazing grace with others. Amen.